Sand castles fit for a king in Mission Beach

Six-year-old Kai Bunyak of Cardiff helps build a sandcastle on the beach near Belmont Park, during the "How to Build a Sandcastle" event, part of the Mission Beach Centennial celebration.
— Howard Lipin

Six-year-old Kai Bunyak of Cardiff helps build a sandcastle on the beach near Belmont Park, during the "How to Build a Sandcastle" event, part of the Mission Beach Centennial celebration.
— Howard Lipin

MISSION BEACH  Building sand castles might be more magic than science, but the professionals know the tricks to transform a lazy pile of sand into a beach creation fit for a king.

That’s what dozens of people, young and old, gathered at Mission Beach to learn — how to make bigger, badder sand castles. Professional sculptor Rusty Croft, who traveled around the world creating sand art as a host on the television show ‘Sand Masters,’ taught the basics Sunday.

“Sand sculpting is an enchanted medium,” Croft said. “People are drawn to it because you take such an ordinary material — it’s everywhere, and almost everyone has played in it — and you make something extraordinary out of it.”

The event was one in a string of nine beach-themed activities leading up to a festival celebrating Mission Beach’s 100th birthday.

Cordelia Mendoza, co-chair of the Mission Beach Centennial group, said each event aims to spotlight something fun about the community’s small-town, beach-side charm. The centennial festival falls on Sept. 27 and will feature live bands, a fashion show showcasing bathing suits through the ages and a barbecue cook-off.

Kathy and Rick Morrissey moved to Pacific Beach, a neighbor to Mission Beach, about a year ago and quickly learned the beach was a big part of the communities’ culture. But it was their grandson’s affection for sand that motivated them to up their sand castle game.

While most of Sunday’s tips revolved around the castle, sand sculpting is really about creating art and having fun, Croft said.

Steve and Sasha Bunyak, and their kids Kai, 6, and Dylan, 9, started with a castle, but a turtle was the eventual goal.

“I like that you can do, like, as many combinations of carvings as you want,” Kai said. “I’ve made sand castles all the times I’ve been to the beach.”

Steve Bunyak said his kids still talk about one drip castle they made as a family.

“It’s about making memories for them,” he said.

For more information about events leading up to Mission Bay’s birthday bash and the festival itself, visit missionbaycentennial.org.

How to build a better sandcastle:

If you’re going to build the Buckingham Palace De Sand, you’ll want to pack the right tools in your beach bag. Here are some suggestions from professional sand sculptor Rusty Kroft on what to bring:

Buckets — Fill some with a water and sand mixture to make sure your sand is always really wet. Carefully cut the bottoms out of others to use as forms.

Shovels — If you want to build a formidable sand fortress (and you do) you’re going to be doing some digging. A long-handled shovel will make the work easier, but a simple plastic shovel is better than no shovel at all.

Silverware — Stainless steel forks, spoons and knives are great for adding texture and detail to your masterpiece.

Patience — It’s delicate work. Take your time.

Get creative! Think a spatula will help you shape great stairs? Throw it in the bag. Plan on adding a lot of detail? Pack a couple of straws to blow away unwanted sand.

Now that you’ve got your bag packed, here are his tips on how to proceed:

• Water, water and more water — “You can’t do anything with dry sand. If you’re ever having trouble, you probably didn’t put enough water on it.”

• A good foundation is key — Fill your molds with sand and water to make sure your sand is as wet as it can be.

• Build from the top down — “Everyone wants to start from the bottom and build all this immaculate stuff, but it’s all for nothing because the crumbs from the top will bury your work.”

• Don’t be afraid to mess up or start over — “Don’t try to make a masterpiece, just create.”